Firebirds Split Weekend Games to Stay in The ECC Tournament Race

WASHINGTON, DC – On Feb. 22nd The University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team defeated East Coast Conference rival and pre-season favorite Roberts Wesleyan  Friday night at UDC Gym.

Junior guard Zachary Olukanni led the Firebirds offense scoring 20 points on an efficient 7-12 shooting and he chipped in 9 rebounds. Senior guard Danny Shand played well off the bench scoring 16 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Despite being out rebounded 41-35 the Firebirds still performed well behind solid defense. UDC caused 19 turnovers which resulted in 25 points. The Firebirds led in points in the paint 40-26, fast break points 14-2, bench points 27-16, and second chance points 13-7. The Red Hawks were led by Jean Toussaint, who almost finished with a double-double falling just one rebound short he scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.  by tying his season high of 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.  Both teams shot the ball poorly from deep shooting 28 percent, but it was the Firebirds who had a better shooting percentage on the day shooting 45 percent from the field. for his first double-double of the season. The Firebirds as a team were 42 percent from the field and shot a better 44 percent from behind the three point line. Senior guard  Quadire Truesdale played well defensively grabbing three steals to go with his eight points, six rebounds, and six assists.

On Feb. 24th  lost to Daemen 87-81 in a close game that came down to the last minute before a crowd that included the Boys and Girls Club of West Laurel, Maryland. The Firebirds were led by junior guard Kerry Kirkwood with 21 points. Senior guard Kevin Cox added 15 points. Senior guard Danny Shand pitched in 13 points off the bench.

The Firebirds will travel away to Rockville Centre, NY to face Molloy on Wednesday February 27th at 5:00 PM in a pursuit to lock up a playoff spot.